Sand Island Park Reopens

(KHNL) - Thieves broke into the Sand Island Park and stole some valuable wires. The park is now closed as authorities look for clues. Sand Island Park is quiet now, shut down after thieves made it...More >>

(KHNL) - After being closed for more than a week, Sand Island Park has reopened.

The state closed the park after thieves made off with loads of copper wiring.

People are thankful the park is open in time for the holiday.

"We have a barbecue today, all my friends come together and celebrate Thanksgiving," said Henry Lee, Honolulu resident.

Lee and 40 of his closest friends are taking advantage of the wide open space.

"So we wanted to go to Ala Moana, but too crowded," said Lee.

Others like a little bit of privacy.

"Because this the closer place, and it's more quiet," said Ramil Ciervo, Kalihi resident.

The park closed last week Tuesday when thieves removed electrical copper wiring from a transformer. Without it, the park's sewage pump couldn't work.

Thieves broke in again a couple of days ago and damaged the electrical system.

Even though the park is open, the bathrooms are still closed, but there are portable toilets. Residents say, they're just thankful they can enjoy this spot on such a special occasion.

"This is the only place the water's kinda clean and it's actually good weather today," said Wesley Hufana, Kalihi resident.

As for the copper wires, it could cost nearly $100,000 to replace them.